ETSU students spend spring break volunteering in community
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — While many students traveled to the beach or caught up on their sleep, a group of East Tennessee State University students chose to spend their spring break volunteering in the community.
The ETSU students spent their week away from class helping Hurricane Helene victims through the university's Alternative Breaks Program. The program allows students to engage in service trips led by their peers, fostering hands-on learning through community involvement.
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Juniors Makayla Leake and Olivia Rogers agreed that their spring break was an eye-opening experience.
'It's really unique,' Leake said. 'I think the way that we were able to come back from this disaster is really inspiring to me. It was a very impactful week. Sometimes emotional, but just how strong our community is and how we should be proud of our community in our recovery efforts. '
'I've seen the need in my community,' Rogers said. 'I've seen the work being done, and this is so far from being over. And so, it was important for me to do what I could to be able to help now and in the future.'
The group worked with local organizations, including Holston Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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